Friday, March 8

Conference Description

Thursday, March 7

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

Self Control and Challenging Behaviour: The Why’s and What’s of Behaviour Management in Autism

Most challenging behaviour consists of strategies in order to maintain self control. By acknowledging that, we can change our view on behaviour and our behaviour management methods. Good behaviour management supports the person’s self control instead of controlling the person with autism.This talk will emphasize both theoretical and hands on aspects of behaviour management.

Bo Hejlskov Elvén is a clinical psychologist based in Sweden. His work with guidance and lecturing concern managing challenging behavior. Bo’s field is care and special education, mainly concerning children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, Asperger´s syndrome, ADHD or intellectual disabilities. Bo also works in the psychiatric field and in juvenile correction facilities.

The basis of Bo’s methods is developmental neuropsychology, stress and affect theory. The methods are part of an increasing knowledge base in the tradition often named the Low Arousal Approach

I really like his stories. The day had very useful strategies relevant to my job. Very happy I attended!
– Early Learning Inclusion Facilitator

Bo did an amazing job – what an excellent speaker!
– Program Coordinator

A very knowledgeable speaker. It was beneficial to get strategies/tools for various situations for both teaching and dealing with behavioural situations.
– Special Education Teacher

Bo was so interesting! His talk will significantly impact the way I approach my class and individuals with autism.
– Classroom Teacher

Great information – I am a parent and professional!
– Outreach Worker

Great analogy using Bo’s car workshop – he really made me think about a lot of the reasons our students act the way they do and how a changed mindset can help me use more tools in my tool box.
– Resource Teacher

Bo’s talk had a new approach that really helped me to problem solve myself instead of trying to fix everything else. Very informative and useful.
– Extended Program Support Teacher

Friday, March 8

Carol Burmeister

Many individuals struggle in academic and social settings due to executive function (EF) challenges — the ability to switch between topics and activities, initiate action, cope with change, make choices, plan and organize, manage time, inhibit impulses, regulate emotions,
and solve problems. Often these individuals are seen as unmotivated
or behaviorally challenged. It may seem as though an individual could meet expectations if he wanted to, but doesn’t do so because he simply won’t. However, the reality is that he lacks the skills to do what is expected and, therefore, cannot meet expectations without support.

Fortunately, there are numerous evidence-based practices that can be incorporated into preschool through high school classrooms, home, community, and work routines that develop EF skills and provide a foundation for building positive behavior that supports individuals in
all environments. Furthermore, individuals with EF challenges can be taught to use the strategies independently, leading to self-regulation and sustainable improvements.

This conference is designed for teachers, educational assistants, parents, related service providers, and other professionals who work with and support children and adolescents with executive function challenges. Using lecture, demonstration, discussion, and video clips, the presenter will introduce participants to a variety of strategies that can be used immediately by parents, educators, professionals, and individuals with autism themselves to achieve greater levels of success.

Carol Burmeister, M.A., has a life-long passion for supporting individuals with special needs, their families, and the schools and community settings that serve them. Her professional experience includes serving as a paraeducator, general education teacher, special educator, program specialist, university instructor, and consultant across a variety of educational settings. Burmeister has presented extensively on autism and related disorders as well as served as part of the University of California, Riverside committee that developed and implemented a certificate program for teachers of students with autism. She currently serves on the board of the Autism Society of the Inland Empire.

Armed with the knowledge that evidence-based interventions for children and youth with ASD are the basis on which effective educational programs are built, Burmeister served as a reviewer of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder’s update on evidence-based practices. For the past several years, her work has focused on the crucial topic of executive function (EF), helping parents as well as educational professionals understand the complexity of social, academic, and behavioral challenges that accompany executive function deficits and practical tools that support EF across all environments. Burmeister has presented at regional, national, and international conferences and has authored several articles on this topic. In addition, she is co-author, with Dr. Sheri Wilkins, of the book, FLIPP the Switch: Strengthen Executive Function Skills.

Tentative Daily Schedule

Thursday, March 7

Registration

7:30 am – 8:45 am

Opening Remarks

8:45 am – 9:00 am

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Refreshment Break

10:30 am – 10:45 am

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

10:45 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch on Own

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Refreshment Break

2:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Bo Hejlskov Elvén

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Friday, March 8

Registration

8:00 am – 8:45 am

Opening Remarks

8:45 am – 9:00 am

Carol Burmeister

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Refreshment Break

10:30 am – 10:45 am

Carol Burmeister

10:45 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch on Own

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Carol Burmeister

1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Refreshment Break

2:30 pm – 2:45pm

Carol Burmeister

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Registration

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS CONFERENCE IS March 1, 2019

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS CONFERENCE IS February 22, 2019

Professional Rates

BEFORE February 22, 2019

AFTER February 22, 2019

2 Days

$315.00 + $15.75 GST = $330.75

$345.00 + $17.25 GST = $362.25

1 Day Only

$240.00 + $12.00 GST = $252.00

$270.00 + $13.50 GST = $283.50

Parent/Para-Professional Rates

BEFORE February 22, 2019

AFTER February 22, 2019

2 Days

$275.00 + $13.75 GST = $288.75

$305.00 + $15.25 GST = $320.25

1 Day Only

$165.00 + $8.25 GST = $173.25

$195.00 + $9.75 GST = $204.75

Registration Includes

Sessions, session materials, refreshment breaks. If you do not receive a confirmation 7 business days prior to the conference please contact Autism Awareness Centre. Registrations received after the deadline may not be sent a confirmation before the conference.

Callers must request to reserve their room using the booking code “OPEN” to receive the discounted rate.

Certificates of Completion

Delegates will receive a certificate of course completion for 6 hours of training for each day of the conference.

Dress Code

Dress is business casual. Delegates are reminded that the room may be chilly at times and are encouraged to wear a sweater.

Meals, Refreshment Breaks

Delegates are on their own for lunch. Refreshment breaks will be served in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be in writing and received prior to February 22, 2019. A $50.00 administration fee will be charged. No refunds will be issued after February 22, 2019 for any reason such as inclement weather, illness, injury or unforeseen circumstances. You may substitute someone in your place.

Parking

Overnight self-parking is provided on a complimentary basis. Observance of parking signage and regulations is required. The Fantasyland is not responsible for damage or theft to vehicles, which are parked on West Edmonton Mall property. Valet parking is available at a daily rate of $18.00 per vehicle.

Bookstore

The Autism Awareness Centre Bookstore will be open throughout the conference.

Children will naturally exhibit a range of negative and positive behaviour, which can often be very challenging for parents. With a basis in child psychology, the authors provide strategies for managing emotions and facilitating positive relationships and healthy behaviours in the family.

FLIPP the Switch: Strengthen Executive Function Skills is a practical book written for parents and educators by parents and educators. The target audience is anyone who works with young people aged 3-22 who are disorganized, inflexible, impulsive, and who struggle with planning or problem solving. Readers will learn about executive function (EF) and how EF skills contribute to success in school, at home, and in work environments.

Managing behaviours in the group dynamic of a classroom setting can be challenging for teachers. Theories of child psychology support practical advice to facilitate healthy teacher-student relationships and a positive group atmosphere.